Saturday’s jumping double, the Australian Hurdle and Steeplechase, to be run at Sandown, each carry a stake of $100,000.

Formerly each race was run on a Saturday, a week a apart at Caulfield, that ceased in 1994 with the closure of the steeplechase course.

Roisel holds the unique record of winning the Australian Hurdle three times over a period of six years, in the latter two wins; he was ridden by Bill Murrell.

There was quite some controversy concerning the starting point of his third win in the race, while the horses were walking around behind the barrier it was noticed that Murrell had Roisel standing some distance away.

A message was sent around to Murrell, he would be fined if he didn’t bring the horse back to the start immediately.

Roisel duly won, correct weight was notified to the delight of those that backed him, while red faced officials of the Victoria Amateur Turf were searching for an explanation as to how the race could be started from the wrong barrier.

Nothing could be done, correct weight was declared, all bets were paid and the placings stood.